Does Sam Darnold Have Sneaky Fantasy Potential With The 49ers?
Kyle Shanahan wins regardless of who is under center. Sam Darnold very well may make his fair share of starts after signing a free agent deal with San Francisco. Given all the success Brock Purdy had a year ago, is Darnold worth a flier in fantasy heading into the 2023? My question is how is he not worth a flier?
Darnold, 25, still has a lot of time on his side. Remember he entered the league at a really young age. He also wasn’t developed in the best of situations. Who hasn’t failed with the Jets? Darnold also went 4-2 this past year in Carolina. A situation where Baker Mayfield bombed and immediately looked better the second he signed with the Rams.
The good news is the acquisition cost won’t be high. In garbage snake drafts, Darnold will probably go undrafted. In educated auction leagues, you’re probably looking at a couple of bucks. Is anybody confident who’s taking the ball Week 1 for San Francisco? If it’s Darnold, there is a chance he never looks back. Given the injuries to Brock Purdy and Trey Lance, doesn’t that feel very plausible?
I am in no way suggesting to go crazy about trying to acquire Darnold. I would just warn you about totally giving up on anybody under center for the 49ers. In two quarterback leagues, you should feel confident he can be your second option. Furthermore, with Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel on your side, they do a lot of the work for you.
